The primary component of this course involves learning how to
use Max/MSP/Jitter to create your own custom-designed software —
in other words computer programming! Fortunately for us, Max is
a more user-friendly, upper level programming language, but it
still requires a proper balance between creativity and
discipline. Though prior computer programming experience would
likely be an asset, it is absolutely not a requirement for
success in this class. I make no assumptions that students will
have any programming experience before beginning this class.
Students who have not had Music 4130/5130 should expect to spend
some time looking at my E-A_MusicPrimer
application used in that class and take advantage of extra help
sessions when they are scheduled. (Students who have taken Music
4130/5130 will already have had some exposure using
Max/MSP/Jitter, though not actually designing programs.)

Software:
Max/MSP/Jitter (primarily). There is no text to buy for this
course. However, if you have your own computer, I strongly
recommend taking advantage of Cycling ’74’s
student discount offer. It is a very good deal (cheaper
than most textbooks — only $59) and you will definitely get more
out of this class by tinkering around with the software at home
during free time (perhaps in place of some of the time you
usually spend of Facebook and/or Twitter) or even while you are
watching or listening to media on some other device. You can get
by without purchasing Max yourself, but probably only if you are
willing to make the MIDI Lab your temporary home for spring
semester.

NOTE: Music 4170/5170
does not
deal much with DAWs or sequencer programs (e.g. Garage Band,
Digital Performer, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, etc.).
Students who are primarily interested in working on projects
using these software programs would probably be happier
enrolling in Music 4150/5150 (when available, since that course
does deal with such programs) or Music 4160/5160 (which
is an independent projects course).

Course Overview

Class time will mostly be devoted to direct instruction on
learning to program in Max. Depending on the background of
students in the class, there will likely be sessions devoted to
broader concepts such as the four common types of sound
synthesis — additive, subtractive, FM, and granular
synthesis — and how to they are implemented in Max.

There are no exams in this class. Individual projects, along
with reading, study, and research in service of those projects,
will occupy virtually of the time you spen on this class.
Students will complete several projects of various size and
scope, from short very small "overnight" homework assignments,
through early small-scale projects, and culminating in a final
project and class presentation. You should expect that many, if
not all, projects will require draft submissions and revisions
based on feedback from me.

The small-scale homework assignments and early projects are
designed to get you acquainted with Max and to help you learn
something of its intended use. Later projects are expansive and
open-ended enough to give students a chance to pursue their own
individual long-term goals relative to this technology, while at
the same time providing a broader base of general knowledge and
experience for those who may have no intention of ever becoming
a MAX expert and no long-term professional goals that include
Max.

Final Project: You should be thinking about your final
project beginning early in the semester, as soon as you begin
developing an understanding of the kinds of things you can do
with Max. Your final project should represent your best, most
advanced, and most creative work. You are free to structure your
smaller-scale projects throughout the semester in such a way
that they help prepare you for your final project ... or even
use those projects to create some components of your final
project. Consider your strengths as a creator when deciding what
to do for your final project.

Grading Procedures:
My view on grades for this class is that they could hardly be
more irrelevant. But the university (and many students) seem to
expect them, so here is the system we'll use.

Grades are determined on the basis of a total point system.
With the exception of your final project, you will not receive
letter grades for your work. Instead, your projects will be
subjected to a process of review and revisions until you receive
an “OK” from me and/or you are satisfied with them. At that
point you are awarded whatever points the assignment or project
is worth.

Here is a summary of the points system.

5 Forum Homework Assignments x 4 pts @

20 pts

15 Weekly Forum Posts

15 pts

Project #1

20 pts

Project #2

25 pts

Project #3

25 pts

Project #4

25 pts

Project #5

20 pts

Project #6

50 pts

Total points

200 pts

(with up to 9 bonus points
available)

Attendance policy:
As long as you are submitting quality projects on time,
attendance will not have a direct effect on your grade. However,
poor attendance (at class, at help sessions, and time spent in
lab) may have a direct
affect your grade, if it's clear that your lack of attendance is
having a negative impact on the quality of your work.

The exception is the Final Exam Presentation/Concert —
Thursday, May 1, at 12:20 p.m. This is the
university-scheduled final exam time. Everyone will attend and
present their final project to the entire class.
Other Important Matters:

Academic dishonesty will result in a class grade of F. This
is a steep penalty, but I have a low tolerance for outright
plagiarism and there is literally no reason for it in this
class. You are permitted to work together with your
classmates, reuse/re-purpose patches in my Ma(r)xTutorials, my
E-A_MusicPrimer, and the help files that come with Max6, and
to scour the Internet for ideas. However, you simply must give
credit where credit is due. Acknowledge your sources.

ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT:
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based
on the impact of a disability should contact me privately to
discuss your specific needs. If you are not yet registered
as a student with a disability, please contact the Office of
Disability Services at 740-593-2620 or visit the office in
348 Baker University Center. www.ohio.edu/disabilities/faculty/syllabus.cfm